Police chalk out security plan for Muharram

LAHORE: Lahore Police has chalked out a comprehensive security plan for the sacred programs of Muharram ul Haram including majalis and processions of Ashura. DIG Operations Lahore Ashfaq Kahn said that more than 15 thousands Police officers and officials will perform duties to provide complete protection to the participants of the mourning processions and majalis. As many as 06 SPs, 35 DSPs, 84 Inspectors, Jawans from ARF and SSU will be on security duty at Muharram ul Haram. Ashfaq Khan said that all logistic arrangements have been completed alongwith survey of the routes and Imam Bargahs. Mock exercises have already been started whereas Flag marches will also be conducted to create sense of protection in the citizens. Contingents from Rangers and Army will also provide support to Lahore Police and District Government in peace process during Ashura e Muharram. Issues regarding trouble and flash points have been resolved with the help of local community.
All the important mourning processions will be provided cover of Elite Police as well. Meetings with allied departments have been conducted to ensure timely completion of arrangements and community leaders as well as Parliamentarians have been taken into confidence to obtain their support maintaining peace during Muharram.
There will be a ban on pillion riding and mobile service will also remain suspended for specific duration to avoid any untoward situation. DIG Operations Lahore Ashfaq Khan further said that the most important and sensitive assignment of Lahore Police at this time is to provide foolproof security to all the mourning processions and related programs of Muharram ul Haram. Lahore Police has completed consultation with members of District and Local Peace Committees, Shia community, license holders of majalis, religious and local representatives, traders, businessman and residents of the areas to ensure a peaceful atmosphere throughout Muharram ul Haram.
The main processions will be starting from Nisaar Havely to Qarbala Gamay Shah and Pando Street Islampura to Khaima e Sadaat. Security audit has been completed of all the streets, markets, commercial and residential areas alongwith shops
on the routes of the processions. Surety bonds and certificates have also been obtained from the related persons and residents of these areas. More than 8000 CCTV cameras have been installed on all the routes of main processions by Punjab Safe Cities Authority to ensure non-stop monitoring. District Administration is also completing all its arrangements regarding installation of monitoring cameras, roads patchwork, drainage and proper lighting on the routes of processions.
The participants of Muharram ul Haram programs will only be allowed to enter the processions after complete checking and body search by Lahore Police officials and volunteers by metal detectors and Walkthrough Gates. Lady Police officers will check the female participants of the events in ladies search cabins. The entrances of all the streets falling under the routes of main procession will be closed through barriers and bob wires. Snipers will be installed on high roofs to monitor all the movements of the processions and any possible suspects. Dolphin squads and Police Response Unit teams will ensure effective patrolling around Imam Bargahs and routes of mourning processions. The volunteers are also being provided necessary training of checking individuals under Community Policing at District Police Lines Qilla Gujjar Singh. Police officials in plain dresses alongwith members of Intelligence Agency will also be present on the routes of processions to keep an eye on any possible suspects. Ashfaq Khan further said that Search Operations are continued to ensure peace
alongwith law and order at Muharram Ul Haram under National Action Plan. Data of the citizens is being checked at houses, hotels, guest houses through search operations, geo fencing and biometric system whereas identity verification is being conducted of passengers coming to Lahore at bus stops and railway stations through Hotel Eye app as well. The monitoring of the main processions will continue through a special mechanism at the control rooms set up at Punjab Safe Cities Authority as well as OPS rooms of all divisional offices of Lahore Police. Ashfaq Khan said that physical as well as electronic barriers will also be installed to ensure safety of the participants of main processions. Food will be provided on the working places and check points to the Police officials and officers performing duty. The relevant areas of the Walled city will be sealed. Checking of the citizens and vehicles is continued at Exit and Entrance points of the city alongwith special pickets being setup at various points of the city including traditional gates of the Walled City. Parking arrangements have been separately ensured for the facilitation of the participants of main processions of Muharram Ul Haram, he concluded.